Companies are always looking for low cost ways to boost employee morale, improve productivity, and generally provide a better working environment. Corporate recognition awards are an often underestimated way to do this and do go a surprisingly long way to improving individuals and their contribution to a company. Here are just a few good reasons why they could help improve your workplace:
1. Fulfill Recognition Needs
Thenextweb.com says that one reason they give out awards at their company is to feed the human need for recognition. This doesn’t mean that everyone craves a shiny trophy, even if they are nice to have. It simply means that they want their hard work and contributions to be recognized and rewarded, rather than overlooked.
2. Recognition, Not Competition
It is common for companies to give out awards such as ‘employee of the month’ or for the most sales. However, a report by Forbes found that these types of competitive awards actually demoralize employees by making them feel defeated. Rather than building a culture of competitiveness with winners and losers, build one of teamwork and recognition of all contributions.
3. Improve Company Culture
Workplace culture has changed dramatically in the last 50 or so years. It used to be common for people to work for a company their entire working lives and show great loyalty to the corporation. Today, job security is less stable and there is more temporary work and ‘moving up the corporate ladder’ that has changed this attitude. Introducing corporate recognition awards is one step to improving company culture and loyalty. By seeing how they are valued by the company, employees will be much more likely to work hard for that company, not just for their own benefit.
Rather than feeding the corporate culture of competition and greed, give out awards for recognition of achievement and meeting goals. Let employees know how much you value their hard work and how far it goes for the entire company. This will result in productive workers, quality output, and a happier work place.
